I live in the small oz themed town of Wamego KS and have either been volunteering at or running this race since it was started. The race started as a marathon only, but quickly added a half marathon, and now a 5K with all options being virtual as well. There was a pasta feed the night before the race at the local senior center. You could either pick up your packet at the pasta feed or the week before at Body First fitness center. Each runner got a ticket to the pasta feed and you could purchase additional tickets pre pasta feed for the family. The Friendship house, which is a local caterer and sit down restaurant, catered the pasta feed, and while I did not get to attend, I know that their food is always amazing, having sampled many of their other catered events.

While the weather was pretty rainy during the whole event, here are the reasons why I love this race!

1. The RD lets me register and run with my very well behaved dog as long as I start at the back of the pack. She trains with me on all of my runs, so it is SO much fun to have her there with me. You do have to fill out at registration slip at Body First and pay a small fee, but she got a super cute medal to go on her collar and add to her collection:)

2. They do a costume contests that is voted on pre race via the FB page, and the people entered go ALL out! They run in their costumes, which is super fun to see as well. I ran most of the race with the Tin man this year.

3. I love the route. You get to see all parts of Wamego, including residential, along the river, the cute Oz themed storefronts, and the historic city park with the windmill. The water stations go all out for best water station as voted on by the runners, so I loved the roller derby girls group and the costumed groups that bring it!

4. Race photos included. Need I say more! Unfortunately, due to the storms and rain this year, the finish line photographer had to pack up, but in years past, I have gotten some amazing finish line photos.

5. Super cute Oz themed medals and bibs!

6. Oz themed swag for sale. You did have to order pre race, but all instructions on how and how much were in all of the race emails pre race. I got the super cute Wicked blue quarter zip pullover. Not only will it work for fall and winter running, but I wear it all the time with jeans:). It really is one of my most favorite items of swag from a race.

7. This didn't apply to me since I live in Wamego, but plentiful emails on where to park and how to ride the shuttle from parking to start. Super big parking lot for half marathon start, so you could park and start at the same spot. Nice shuttle bus ride back to parking lot post race. (NOTE: In 2017 , all races start and finish at the same location, which is super nice and convenient. You still have to park and be shuttled in however).

8. Rolling hills. I loved the challenge of this course. Enough to keep you from being bored and keep your legs in the game. Not so challenging that a first timer can't enjoy.

Great small race if you aren't into big city races. Everyone is super friendly, super helpful. The swag is ALL Oz themed including a head band, oval car sticker, and shirt. Pay attention to the sizing info, as the ladies cut shirts always run a little small.

This is a race I love doing every year and if I can't run it, I will volunteer!